Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariel Barba.
Hi Mariel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Three years ago, I packed my 32kg suitcase, left everything familiar behind, and moved to Dubai with nothing but a dream, courage, and determination.
No safety net. No connections. No clear roadmap.
Just me, my skills, and the willingness to start over from zero.
My first job in Dubai was as a receptionist. At first, I thought it was the beginning of everything I prayed for, but that experience became one of the hardest lessons of my life. It taught me about survival, trusting people, and protecting my peace. That job broke me emotionally to the point where I felt like I lost myself completely. But looking back now, I realize it also built the strongest version of me. No Salary for a months
After finishing my 2-year contract, I resigned and searched for a new opportunity. Within a week, I found another job because I knew I had to survive and stay in Dubai no matter what. I worked there for 2 months while they kept promising to provide my visa, but the promises never became reality.
Then life gave me another chance.
I found a new job that completely changed my direction. For the first time, I had the space and time to rediscover myself. While working there, I slowly started creating content after work, turning my creativity into something meaningful. What started as passion became purpose.
I stayed in that company for almost 2 years, and during that time, content creation helped me realize what I truly wanted in life. I realized I didn’t just want to survive I wanted freedom, growth, and a life I could proudly call my own.
That’s when I became the CEO of my own life.
I started building my own vision, my own mission, and eventually my own woman-founded business here in Dubai. I wanted to create something authentic a space where brands feel comfortable, understood, and creatively supported. Working with me feels like working with a friend, but with professionalism, passion, and purpose behind every project.
From being a receptionist trying to survive in a new country…
to building my own opportunities, creating content, and turning my dreams into reality this journey shaped the woman I am today.
Every struggle, every rejection, every heartbreak, and every risk brought me here.
And this is only the beginning. ✨
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Moving to Dubai with no connections and starting from zero was one of the biggest challenges of my life. I had to learn how to survive independently while adjusting to a completely new environment, culture, and lifestyle.
One of my biggest struggles was my first job as a receptionist. That experience taught me difficult but important lessons about trusting people, knowing my worth, and staying strong during hard situations. There were moments when I felt emotionally drained and completely lost in myself. No salary for a months
After finishing my 2-year contract, I had to quickly find another opportunity just to continue staying in Dubai. I found a job within a week, but unfortunately, they kept promising me a visa that never happened. That uncertainty was stressful because, as someone living abroad, stability is very important.
Another struggle was balancing a full-time corporate job while trying to build my passion for content creation. There were days I felt exhausted mentally and physically, but I knew I wanted more for myself than just surviving.
Eventually, I found a company that gave me the flexibility and time to rediscover myself. That’s when I seriously started content creation and realized it was more than just a hobby it was something that gave me purpose and freedom.
The journey came with sacrifices, disappointments, self-doubt, and many moments where I questioned myself, but every struggle helped shape me into the woman and entrepreneur I am today. Looking back, I’m grateful for those experiences because they pushed me to build my own vision and start my own woman-founded business here in Dubai.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a license UGC creator, content creator, creative strategist, and entrepreneur based in Dubai. I specialize in lifestyle, beauty, wellness, and hospitality content, creating authentic and story-driven visuals that help brands connect genuinely with their audience.
What I love most about my work is transforming products, experiences, and brand visions into content that feels relatable, aspirational, and emotionally engaging. Whether it’s beauty campaigns, wellness events, cafés, luxury experiences, or product storytelling, I focus on creating content that feels natural instead of overly commercial.
Over the years, I’ve worked with different brands and built a strong presence through content that reflects both creativity and real-life experiences as a Filipina living and working abroad in Dubai. I’m also building my own woman-founded brand and creative vision, which makes my work deeply personal because I understand both the creator side and the business side of branding.
What I’m most proud of is the fact that I built everything from the ground up. Moving to Dubai alone, balancing full-time corporate work while creating content after hours, and slowly turning my passion into opportunities taught me resilience, discipline, and confidence. I’m proud that I was able to create a career that aligns with who I truly am creatively and personally.
I think what sets me apart is my authenticity and the way I connect with people and brands. I don’t just create content for aesthetics I focus on storytelling, emotion, and making audiences feel something. Many brands tell me that working with me feels comfortable and collaborative, like working with a friend who truly understands their vision while still being professional and results-driven.
My goal has always been to create meaningful content that inspires confidence, creativity, and connection while helping brands grow in a genuine and impactful way.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m someone who constantly looks for inspiration, creativity, and ways to grow both personally and professionally. Since I work in content creation, branding, and business, I love using resources that help me stay creative, organized, and motivated.
For apps, I use Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok daily for trends, storytelling ideas, and creative inspiration. I also love using CapCut and Canva for editing and bringing creative concepts to life.
When it comes to podcasts and motivation, I enjoy listening to conversations about self-growth, entrepreneurship, confidence, and women building their own careers. I love content that reminds me to stay inspired and continue creating opportunities for myself.
One thing that truly helped me in life wasn’t just a specific app or book it was learning from real experiences. Moving alone to Dubai, working different jobs, meeting different people, and building myself from zero became my biggest lessons and source of growth.
I also find inspiration through travel, cafés, luxury experiences, wellness spaces, fashion, beauty, and everyday moments. As a creator, I believe inspiration comes from observing life, emotions, and human connection not just from social media trends.
At the end of the day, the biggest resource that helps me do my best is staying curious, creative, and open to learning from every experience.
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